ASBESTOS REMOVAL

IF I LIVE OR WORK IN A BUILDING WITH AN ASBESTOS ROOF WHAT SHOULD I DO? IS IT MANDATORY TO REMOVE IT?

There is no need to remove asbestos if the roof is in good condition, but it is required by law to regularly check the state of the roof and the absence of detached material.

HOW MUCH CAN COST THE REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS COST?

The cost of the disposal of asbestos depends on the size of the structure in which it is present; in the case of a roof, pricing strictly depends on the quantity, the safety works, the accessibility and walkability of the roof and the distance to the landfill for disposal. As a guide, for sizes less than 100m2 the biggest cost is that of labour, with larger sizes costs for disposal per square meter diminish, while costs for security and transport remain fixed.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES TO ASBESTOS REMOVAL EXIST?

It is possible to encapsulate the asbestos fibres by the application of different layers of certified paints which form a protective layer preventing dispersion into the environment. Next, either an over coverage is installed or the existing roof is safely secured.

Both treatments should be monitored over time and require periodic maintenance.

As compared to encapsulation and over coverage, removal has the advantage of permanently restoring the building thus increasing its value; undertaking any of these works necessitates the installation of temporary structures for safety purposes. Encapsulation and over coverage involve periodic monitoring and, in the case of encapsulation, redoing it after a number of years; on balance therefore, using encapsulation and over coverage solutions though initially less expensive are not so convenient over time.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

HOW LONG DOES A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM LAST FOR WHEN INSTALLED PROPERLY? HOW IS IT DISPOSED OF AT THE END OF ITS USE?

Consider that the first installation of photovoltaic panels dates back to the 1980s in Germany and that they are still in use. The panel producers guarantee full efficiency for the first 25 years, after this time the performance starts to reduce; that said the average length of use of a properly installed system is definitely more than 25 years.

When installed the panels are awarded a certificate proving enrolment in the scheme that will address removal and disposal at end of the system’s use, the customer would only need to agree on the transport to the recycling site.

WHAT SAVINGS CAN BE MADE BY INSTALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS? ON AVERAGE, IN HOW MANY YEARS DO ENERGY SAVINGS SUPERCEED INITIAL COSTS?

Personal income tax deductions for 2015 allow for savings of 50% over 10 years. For residential properties savings exceed costs after 6/7 years while in the case of a company even in 3/4 years.

WATERPROOFING

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS WATER SEEPAGE IN THE ATTIC OR DAMAGED ROOF TILES?

The spaces under the roofs of our homes are increasingly used as attic living spaces, consequently leaks be they large or small are no longer tolerated. For this reason we often use the under-tile technique of applying an under tile bituminous slated sheath waterproofing on which tiles are subsequently laid. The correct fixing of the tiles is with strips spaced about 30 cm distance from each other to allow for ventilation and dehumidification in the layer under the tile thus preserving the materials from frost in winter.

DOES ROOF WATERPROOFING HAVE A WARRANTY?

Isomec installs various products guaranteed for 10 years.

WHO PAYS AND HOW MUCH IS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A VIABLE TERRACE OR A FLAT ROOF?

One third of the cost is the responsibility of the beneficiary of the structure, while two-thirds is paid for by the users of the spaces below.

COAT INSULATION

HOW MUCH DOES THERMAL INSULATION COST AND WHAT SAVINGS DOES IT ALLOW? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES BEFORE SAVINGS EXCEED COSTS?

The energy savings resulting from the installation of thermal insulation varies depending on the climate, the thickness of the buildings’ outer walls and the amount of glass surfaces present. However, the installation cost is made back over an average of 6/7 years of use.

WHAT ADVANTAGES ARE THERE TO LIVING IN A THERMALLY INSULATED BUILDING?

The installation of thermal insulation reduces thermal bridges and the formation of mould and condensation, it makes the space more comfortable and it allows for cost savings by way of a reduction in heating and cooling costs as well as the reduction of polluting emissions.

Throughout 2015 it is possible to benefit from tax savings for the improvement of a building’s energy efficiency rating equal to 65% of the expenses incurred, staggered over ten years.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MOULD ON THE WALLS?

In homes fungi and moulds occur frequently, especially in areas oriented to the north and north-east which are consequently colder. The humidity and the water vapour tend to accumulate in these areas with lower temperatures and less pressure. The solution is external thermal insulation or internal thermal insulation using polystyrene and plasterboard panels.

Since 1979, ISOMEC has been designing with the client, supporting the designers and realizing turnkey various components of the building.